We've found the top 25 things that mean you've been Dubai-ed. Fact. There's no escaping it
1... you can make your way around five different malls without a map. (well, I don't think that is too hard, but maybe I'm used to large malls)
2...you have friends from 10 different countries. (I've got 6 - do American living abroad count - that should get me up to 10)
3... you can tell as soon as there’s a sand storm a’comin’. (F--- can, I'll have to wait for that)
4... the taxi driver knows where you’re going.
5... letters in local newspapers no longer seem like the rantings of the insane. (tehehehe)
6... you’ve stopped complaining about people tailgating you in the fast lane, and started complaining about people driving too slowly in the fast lane. (yep)
7... it’s not a belly, it’s the Dubai stone.
8... you can recite the recorded Arabic welcome message from the RTA taxi number, word for word, and with a flawless accent. (lol)
9... you say the summer ‘isn’t that hot.’
10... you look round the lobby of a five-star hotel and yawn. (totally!)
11... you get excited and dance around whenever it rains.
12... you don’t know how to clean your own apartment. (lol!)
13... you feel ‘the fear’ when someone suggests the all-day brunch at Waxy O’Conner’s.
14... you know that ladies’ nights are actually all full of blokes. (isn't that everywhere?)
15... you need both hands to count the number of international music acts you’ve seen this year.
16... you find it a real challenge to paint your own nails. (lol)
17... you can’t stop checking the exchange rates between the dirham and your home country’s currency – and you’ve actually managed to send some money home.
18... you’ve forgotten how to fill up your car with petrol.
19... you don’t know when you last walked more than 100 metres in one go. (see?! No walking - crazy (and walking the malls don't count... but, that helps)
20... you’ll only attempt a drive across town on a Friday morning (when there’s no traffic).
21... Al Mallah/Al Hallab/another Lebanese eatery is on your mobile’s speed dial.
22 ... you consider anything below 30° to be ‘cardigan weather’.
23... you think Ski Dubai is a perfectly normal concept.
24... you consider your doorman as one of your mates.
25... you’ve heard the same Dubai urban myths from 10 different people.
And you know someone’s definitely not a Dubai resident when…
1... they’re petrified of Sheikh Zayed Road. (it's not THAT bad)
2... they don’t know what baba ganoush/tabouleh/fatoush is. (who doesn't now a days - I think the receipies were in Marta Stewart this year!)
3... they’re shocked at the idea of getting a cab from one side of the road over to the other. (lol)
4... they get their Burj’s confused (Al Arab and Dubai, that is). (I just think of the ice cream - is that still around? It was some place near the Persian court I think in Ibn Battuta mall)
5... they’ve been on the Big Bus Tour – and know more about Dubai than actual expats. (I should do that sometime...)
(F----l says this is a good list for all of the Middle East -well, the Gulf)
My parents live in Dubai, Im on my way there in Feb for another visit. Do you live in Dubai?
ReplyDeleteVery cool! How do they like it there? How long have they been there?
ReplyDeleteI don't live in Dubai :( I've actually only been there once, but the list in general was pretty good for many parts of the Middle East, I thought. I have only spent extended time in Jordan (with my husband's family). My husband grew up in the Gulf though so I hear a lot about this stuff :)
If you are looking for stuff to do in Dubai (oh - go see the new Tower!), check out Time Out! Dubai (timeout.com/dubai)